Neighborhood

Ankeny: Iowa’s Best Kept Secret

Ankeny is a city located in Polk County, Iowa. With a population of approximately 45,550 residents, Ankeny may seem like a modest small town, but in the past decade it has experienced a population increase of nearly 70 percent. It has become one of the most affluent cities in Iowa with plenty of entertainment to boot. Residents enjoy many points of interest such as the Historic Uptown Shopping District, Big Creek State Park, and Saylorville Recreation Area. Many events also pepper the yearly calendar including Ankeny Summer Fest, DMACC Kite Festival, and Ankeny Art in the Park. If you’re in the mood for big city attractions and amenities, make the fifteen minute drive south to Des Moines where you’ll find a number of art and history museums, in addition to several performing arts centers. Like Ankeny, Des Moines plays host to a growing number of nationally acclaimed cultural events including the annual Des Moines Art Festival in June, the Iowa State Fair in August, and the World Food & Music Festival in September. Whether you’re in Ankeny or nearby Des Moines, you’ll be satisfied by the surrounding convenience of both cities.